DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM 0

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM 

MONDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day:  Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI.  Sirach 1:1-10

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 93:1abc.1d-2.5 (R. 1a)

Gospel: Mark 9:14-29

Theme: Edo-Abasi? (Who is like God?)

Reflection:

On this day, Monday of the seventh week in Ordinary Time (Year 1); the Table of the Word offers us readings for thoughtful reflection on themes like God's attributes as Omniscience, Omnipresence, Omnipotence, faith, healing, and restoration as contained in the both readings: (cf. Sirach 1:1-10; Mark 9:14-29) 

It is against this backdrop that my mind thought of this theme: Edo-Abasi? (Who is like God?), one of the traditional names in Ibibio land with profound nuances. In Ibibio cultural millieu the name: "Edo-Abasi?" is a profound and reflective question, "Who is or like God?", often used to explore or express reverence for God's nature and sovereignty. It can serve as a reminder of the divine presence and prompt deep reflection on God's identity and role in the world as the author of Book of Jesus, son of Sirach (Sirach 1:1-10) paid allusion to in today's first reading.

However, there are other similar names and phrases which pay credence to God as a sovereign reality, above every creature in creation and indeed all-in-all. Such names or phrases are: Aniefiok Uduak Abasi? (Who knows God's will?), Edo-ama-owo?, (Who loves man?), Odudu Abasi (God's power or strength), Ifiok Obong (God's wisdom) etc. These and many other names and phrases go a long way to summarise today's readings. 

In the first reading  taken from the Book of Sirach 1:1-10. This passage beautifully emphasizes the supremacy and eternity of wisdom, which originates from God. The opening verses highlight how wisdom transcends all earthly and even heavenly dimensions—there is no way for human beings to fully comprehend or measure the vastness of divine wisdom. Thus, brings about tye question: Anietie nte Abasi? (Who is like God) that is "Michael" which is an English equivalent. It is derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), which is a rhetorical question implying that no one is like God. This name has a significant religious and spiritual meaning, often associated with strength, protection, and the divine. In the Christian tradition, Saint Michael is known as an archangel and protector, often depicted as a warrior against evil.

Consequently, God who is "all-in-all " cannot be contained in human intellect and capacity. He is loving, compassionate which often pose a question like: Edo-ama-owo? (Who loves man or humanity?)

In today’s Gospel reading taken from Mark 9:14-29, we encounter Jesus healing a boy possessed by an unclean spirit, amidst the father's unbelief. Here Christ said: “If you can! All things are possible to one who believes.” and the man responded:  “I believe; help my unbelief!” (cf.Mark 9:14-29) 

This is a sure reminder that Christ who is Son-God has the capacity to rewrite our stories, change situations and and brings out possibility out of every impossible situation. 

To buttres this point, there other texts of the Scripture that fully give credence to the supremacy and sovereignty of our God. For instance, The part of the song of Moses after the Israelites were delivered  from the Egyptian army as found in Exodus 15:11 says:- "Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" 

Psalm 113:5-6 on the other hand praises the majesty of God, noting that He is beyond comparison and yet chooses to humble Himself to care for His creation. Other texts are: Isaiah 40:18; Isaiah 46:5; and Micah 7:18 which highlights God's mercy and forgiveness, and once again asks the question "Who is like God?" as a way to celebrate God's unparalleled compassion and grace.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God in moments of personal struggle and doubt. That is to see Him as all-in-all of our situation and condition. In our brokeness and pains we need to see God's finger in them all, for He knows every end from the beginning.  

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Eternal.Word, we thank You for the many blessings we receive from you. Grant we pray the grace to see you as all-Knowing, all-powerful and ever abiding GOd who is always there to listen to us in pains. We make our prayers through Our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who loves and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen

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